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by Sarah Major, M.Ed

Working with money can be challenging for many children. I remember having several students who struggled to even correctly name and recognize coins. One reason many children struggle with this concept could be that money is often taught through pictures in a math book. The coins are usually not the same size as real ones, and they are frequently shown in gray tones, rather than in the colors that accurately represent the look of real coins. In addition, learning about money using paper and pencil is just not fun!

by Rachel DeMille

So much has been said about the importance of reading to our kids; and those of us who do can attest that it’s a formative experience–on so many levels:

•    Bonding
•    Laughing
•    Making memories
•    A shared language
•    Gratitude
•    Reliving the past
•    Pity and compassion
•    Empathy for others

by Sarah Major, M.Ed

Just like a tiny seed grows into a mature tree, one hardly noticeable trait, if encouraged, can flourish into a character quality that will ensure a child's success as an adult: imagination. I know that when I was the mother of young children, I frequently passed over the little things, waiting for the day when my children were older and what I did with them would “really count.” It took seeing them grow to adulthood for me to learn firsthand how important those little things are!

by Sarah Major, M.Ed

I'm all for outside play and relaxation in the summertime! But it's hard to ignore everything that's said about how if you don’t use it, you lose it! As a parent and teacher, I have seen firsthand the blank looks on those rested-up faces as kids came back to school in the fall, and I expected them to pick up where we left off in the spring. But play is vital, and I'd be the first to encourage kids to play hard all summer long.

by Sarah Major, M.Ed

I have twice been a new mother. Granted, it was decades ago, but I still remember my attitudes and thought processes when my babies were in the crib and later beginning to toddle around the house. In those days, I was not thinking about preparing the brain for learning. In fact, I remember my sister and I sitting on the floor with our two year olds trying to get them to learn color names by holding out a crayon and saying the color slowly and distinctly.

by Naomi Aldort

“Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school.”
                                        - Albert Einstein

Did you know that there are brainy games hidden all around your house? The following games and toys can be assembled at home...from THINGS at home. These toys will help build underlying learning skills like memory, attention, processing speed, and vocabulary. With a little creativity, your house can become a center for fun brain activities! ...read more

by Sarah Major, M.Ed

I read an article the other day that really tugged at my heart. The author mourned the fact that kindergarten as it should be seems to be a thing of the past. Gone is the free play, the crayons and paint, the housekeeping center, the emphasis on learning social interactions and skills. Today there is a widespread, headlong dash towards increasing academics in kindergarten, even to the point of an increased focus on testing in kindergarten.

 

by Beth Butler

Every expecting parent I meet and have the pleasure of speaking with as I travel our country seem truly interested in raising their new baby to be bilingual. I want to share with you the top five ways to raise a bilingual baby. They are fun, easy and affordable.